By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Chief Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

THE temporary suspension of the Grand Celebration cruise ship to Grand Bahama for the next three months was yesterday described as another “big blow” for the beleaguered second city.

The ship is headed for the US Virgin Islands to assist with recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Irma, and will not resume its two-night excursion from Palm Beach to Grand Bahama until December 23.

Yesterday, Grand Bahama tour operators and vendors lamented the likely negative impact to the island’s already depressed economy, and limping tourism market due to shuttered hotels and stalled projects.

“It’s a big blow to Grand Bahama,” according to a veteran tour operator who requested anonymity, “not only for us as tour operators, but also for us as hotels because the Celebration has been the main vehicle for getting tourists to the island.

“As a tour operator, it’s a big deal for all of us, for some of the hotels that are still open, it’s a big deal.”

The tour operator continued: “Once we heard about this being cancelled we all panicked here. What started off with minimal business, has really grown to where we really have become dependent on the business. Their numbers are often much better than the major cruise lines.”

In a statement to customers yesterday, cruise operator Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line (BPCL) announced that the ship has been contracted by Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide housing for the US National Guard and first responders working to rebuild devastated communities on St Thomas.

According to the Sun Sentinel, the company is being compensated to cover its “loss of business and revenue over the period.”

The BPCL statement read: “We hope that you will understand and agree that this disruption to our business is overshadowed by the magnitude of need and humanitarian support required to help the people of St Thomas rebuild their devastated communities.”

It continued: “We apologise for any disappointment around your cruise vacation plans this change may have caused. We thank you in advance for your support and flexibility during this time. This was not an easy decision for us to make and we sincerely appreciate your understanding.”

BPCL offered to fully refund customers that have made direct bookings within that period, or a $100 on board credit if they reschedule their trip.